Airlines

Air India is attempting to settle a lawsuit in the United States worth $1.2 billion, alleging a new owner.

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Air India is attempting to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Devas Multimedia Pvt. In a U.S. court, claiming that the carrier’s recent ownership change precludes demands for arbitration award recovery..

After winning three international arbitration rulings over a cancelled telecoms deal with a state-run corporation, Devas has demanded $1.2 billion from the Indian government. The corporation is attempting to seize the once government-owned flag carrier’s overseas assets, which were transferred over to Indian conglomerate Tata Sons Pvt. On Thursday, claiming that the national carrier is a fictitious entity of the Indian government.

The airline’s lawsuit in a US court came on the same day that a new management team took over, ending years of taxpayer funded bailouts and assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in completing the first major privatization in over two decades. The country will begin the process of shutting down Devas this week, according to Finance Minister.

According to a petition by Air India, the district court in New York has the option of dismissing and disposing of Devas’ complaint fully based on the airline’s request, or identifying unresolved issues in the case if the motion is denied.

Devas and Air India representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Devas’ lawyers stated they will continue their efforts to recover the arbitration judgement money from assets of the Indian government in numerous countries in an interview before Air India’s recent filing. Devas will file a new arbitration against the Indian government, according to Matthew McGill, lawyer for Devas shareholders.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.